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This is because the longest day of the year is based around the axis of the Earth.

When the planet’s northern pole is most inclined towards the Sun the northern hemisphere - where the UK is located - experiences the longest period of uninterrupted sunlight.

The Earth’s elliptical orbit coupled with the varying speeds at which the planet travels, means that it falls on a different day each year.

The southern hemisphere also experiences the summer solstice at the same time the winter solstice takes place in the north.

This means that the southern hemisphere summer solstice - and the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere - takes place on Friday December 21.

Summer Solstice 2018: When is the summer solstice? What is it? (Image: GETTY)

Stonehenge is a focal point for thousands hoping to celebrate the solstice (Image: GETTY)

How is the summer solstice celebrated?

The summer solstice is celebrated every year as a major astronomical event, most notably in the UK from Stonehenge.

Stonehenge has been a focal point for both the summer and winter solstice every year, and it is believed the site was constructed especially for the occasion.

The site was constructed almost 5,000 years ago to align with the sunrise on both the summer and winter solstices.

This year, the Sun will be visible as it rises above Stonehenge’s heel stone on the north-east portion of the site.

The solstice is celebrated usually by pagans and druids, with other interested parties joining in (Image: GETTY)

Summer Solstice at Stonehenge through the years

Wed, June 21, 2017

Pagans celebrate the longest day of the year at Stonehenge because it aligns to the solstices.
Only on the Summer solstice does the rising sun reach the middle of the stones and shine on the central alter.